City to Keep Use of Word 'Minority'

Published 12:28 pm, Monday, April 25, 2016

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has vetoed a measure that would have banned the use of the word "minority" in city documents, despite complaints from some community leaders that the term is pejorative.

Menino said Friday that he opposed the ordinance, which the Boston City Council approved by a 12-0 vote last month, because it could undermine protections for blacks and others in contracting, hiring and delivery.

"I am gravely concerned this measure will have far-reaching unintended negative effects on many of our citizens," Menino said in a written statement explaining his opposition.

City Council President Charles C. Yancey, who spearheaded the measure, called the term "anachronistic and demeaning." He said he may seek an override, which would require the support of nine of the 13 council members.

"I understand what the mayor is saying legally and I have no reason not to believe the mayor," said Rev. Gregory Groover, minister of the Charles Street AME Church and a Menino supporter. "But I also know the word 'minority' will become not only politically incorrect but a linguistically extinct word in the next few years."